Toronto FC head coach John Carver had submitted his resignation, and after three different coaches in three seasons, continuity has to be a must.
Gareth Wheeler of the Toronto Sun reported that TFC director of soccer Mo Johnston admits he bit off more than he could chew trying to coach while balancing GM duties in Year 1, and that he has to get his next move right. That next move should start with someone who has some clear experience in MLS, someone who understands the demands and rigors of the league.
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This should have been priority for the club from Day 1. MLSEL may have thought it had its guy in Johnston upon the club's inception, but it's unclear whether Johnston saw himself as the long-term coaching solution or saw the position as a necessary stepping-stone to becoming director of soccer.
The two newest MLS teams -- San Jose and Seattle -- made it their priority to go out and get proven MLS coaching commodities with winning track records and high levels of understanding of the North American game.
Attractive coaching candidates are out there.
For example, there are few individuals who know MLS better than John Harkes. The ESPN analyst is an American soccer legend who has experience as an MLS assistant coach and experience with U.S. youth national teams.
New England Revolution head coach Steve Nichol was a compelling name rumoured to be floating around the TFC coaching vacancy at the time Carver was hired. Nichol is employed, but may be looking for a new challenge.
Nichol's long-time assistant, Paul Mariner, may be a better candidate. The former English player has a bevy of experience as an MLS assistant coach under Nichol and has been linked to numerous open MLS head coaching positions in recent years.
Harkes has some playing and TV experience, but with very limited coaching experience, you would think that there are more qualified candidates out there.
My hope is that Toronto FC heeds Wheeler's advice, and looks for someone with a proven track record coaching in the US and in MLS. Toronto FC has one of the best venues and fan bases in the league, and it would be great for Major League Soccer to have someone with a clear picture as their head coach.
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